WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2013 - Senator Mark Pryor, D-Ark., announced Wednesday that he will chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
As Chairman, Pryor will be responsible for funding federal programs that benefit farmers, producers, and rural communities. In addition to funding the USDA, Pryor’s subcommittee will also be responsible for funding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Whether it’s rice, cotton, or poultry, there’s no question that agriculture is critical to our state’s economy,” Pryor said. “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I’ll fight to ensure that Arkansas receives its fair share of federal dollars so we can keep our agricultural sector strong.”
According to the University of Arkansas, agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, contributing an estimated $17 billion to the state’s economy each year. The agricultural sector also supports over 275,000 jobs, $10.7 billion in labor income, and more than $3 billion in exports annually.
“We are pleased to see Senator Pryor receive this appointment, and given agriculture's significance to the Arkansas economy, we feel this is very appropriate,” said Randy Veach, President of the Arkansas Farm Bureau. “Having Senator Pryor to lead the agricultural appropriation subcommittee will further strengthen Arkansas agriculture, and we congratulate him on this important appointment.”
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